Page 18 of A Sweet Mess

Goddamn it. I need a cold shower.

“I was only asking as a professional courtesy.”

“I’ll be at Bosque Verde as long as necessary to make sure everything goes smoothly.” He managed to sound professional but vague.

“Okay, then. We’re in agreement, and everything is set.” Aubrey shot to her feet. “I really need to get going.”

“Not interested in how much you’ll be making for the two episodes? Or when you start?” He should have let her go, but he wanted her to stay just a bit longer.

“Sure, I’m interested.” She plopped back into her chair, the tips of her ears turning red. “Go on, then.”

When he told her how much they were offering, Aubrey’s mouth dropped open. Landon grinned despite himself. If he wasn’t certain before, he was now positive she hadn’t approached him with an ulterior motive. She didn’t seem capable of subterfuge.

“Just so we’re clear,” he said, “the show will get equal rights to the copyright on the two recipes, including online reproductions and potential cookbooks.”

“Yeah. I’d figured that since I’m going to share the recipes with all the viewers. When do I start?”

“Next week.”

“That soon? I don’t know if I can take care of everything by then. Well, I guess it depends on when I get paid.” She pressed her lips together and glanced down at her hands. “Not to seem money hungry or anything.”

“This is business. We would be remiss to ignore the details, especially the money. The show would pay you in thirds. You’ll get a third on signing, before you leave for Bosque Verde. Then a third on completion of filming, and a third when your episodes air,” he said. “The bulk of the guest talent contract is boilerplate, but HR and the legal team will explain everything in more detail. And you’ll have a full week to review the contract and ask as many questions as you’d like.”

“HR andlegal?” Aubrey scrunched up her nose like she’d smelled something foul. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

She seemed so genuinely appalled, he couldn’t help laughing. “I’ll read through everything and have my personal attorney take a look as well to make sure the station doesn’t take advantage of you.”

“Who’s going to make sureyoudon’t take advantage of me?”Her tone was flippant, but she scrunched her eyes shut a second later. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean it in a weird way.”

“It’s fine,” he said softly despite his beating heart. “I would never take advantage of you. In any way.”

“Good.” Aubrey nodded and lowered her lashes to the table. “Yeah, that’s good. Thank you.”

6

Aubrey could not believe it was happening. She folded a pair of jeans and tucked them into her suitcase. With the generous compensation from Aria’s show, she was able to make her second down payment and had enough left to pay Lily during the filming and close a day early for a long-awaited camping trip. She hoped her special spot had stayed the same while she was attached at the hip to Comfort Zone.

“Don’t your cheeks cramp up when you smile nonstop like that?” Tara asked from her perch on Aubrey’s bed.

“I’m just so excited.” Aubrey’s tireless cheeks held up fine even when her grin widened. “Wait, where’s my tent?”

“For the seventh time, you already loaded it in the Jeep along with the rest of your camping gear. Sleeping bag, extra blankets, butane burner, flashlights…”

“That’s right. I did.” She’d packed her camping gear last night. She just had to remember to grab her provisions from the fridge before she left.Chill, Aubrey.She blew out a long breath and glanced around her bedroom. “I think I have everything.”

“You’re only taking two carry-ons? You haven’t even packed any dresses.”

“Two is more than enough. They do have a laundry machine at the villa.” She twisted her lips to one side. “Hmm. Do you think I’ll need dresses?”

“Take a couple of your cocktail dresses and cute sundresses just in case. You still have plenty of room in your luggage.”

“Good idea.” Aubrey stuck her head back in her narrow closet and riffled through her dress selection. “Are these good?”

“Yup. You look adorable in those.” Tara pointed to the two dresses in Aubrey’s left hand, then pointed to her right hand. “And those look sexy as hell on you.”

After double-checking she’d packed everything on her list, Aubrey zipped up her bags and stood. Hot tears prickled her eyes, and her voice was thick with emotion when she said, “That’s it, then. I’m off to Sequoia, then onto Bosque Verde.”

“Think of it as a well-earned vacation, you workaholic.” Tara wrapped her in her arms. “You’re going to do great, and things will be fine here. Have a ton of fun, and keep me posted. In detail.”

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